As we get older, there are plenty of things to look forward to: senior discounts, a little more time for yourself, retirement, and, for many, the joy of having grandkids.
Grandkids bring laughter, energy, and a whole new kind of love into your life. And while tight hugs, sloppy kisses, and little arms running toward you with sparkling eyes bring instant warmth and joy, research suggests that being a grandparent may offer benefits that run even deeper.
Being a Grandparent: At the Surface
It’s not uncommon for parents to start wondering about grandkids once their own children are grown. And when that moment finally arrives, many grandparents are more than happy to step into the role of grandma or grandpa. In many ways, it’s the joy of parenting — connection, affection, and shared moments — without the daily pressures of running a household or juggling work and family life. You get to love them deeply… and then send them home.
For many, it’s also a chance to enjoy those moments with more patience, perspective, and often more time than they had years ago. Some see it as a second chance to slow down and savor moments they were too busy or stressed to fully enjoy the first time around. It’s no wonder grandparents have a reputation for spoiling their grandkids. And it’s a role many truly cherish. In a 2024 AARP survey, nearly three-quarters of grandparents (73%) said they enjoy being a grandparent and feel they’re doing a good job.
Grandparenthood is also more common, and more hands-on, than many realize:
- About half of U.S. adults age 50 and older have at least one grandchild, according to a recent University of Michigan poll.
- Roughly 6.7 million adults lived with their grandchildren in 2021, with nearly one in three helping provide their care.
- Nearly half of grandchildren live within 10 miles of a grandparent. Of those, 21 percent live just 1 to 5 miles away, and 13 percent live within a walkable mile — making regular visits and everyday moments together a natural part of family life for many.
But beyond the obvious joys, research suggests this role may quietly support health, happiness, and well-being in ways that often go unnoticed.
Longer Life
One of the most striking findings comes from the Berlin Aging Study, which followed more than 500 adults aged 70 and older for 20 years. Grandparents who helped care for their grandchildren — but were not raising them full-time — had a 37% lower risk of death and lived about five years longer, on average, than those who didn’t provide care. Researchers stress that the benefit appears strongest when caregiving is supportive and voluntary, rather than overwhelming — suggesting that staying involved, without being overburdened, may be the sweet spot.
Renewed Sense of Purpose
When everything you do looks like a superpower — whether it’s bravely picking up a bug or fixing a “broken” toy — it’s hard not to feel useful again. But jokes aside, the sense of purpose that comes with grandparenthood is real. In a large longitudinal study of nearly 40,000 adults across 13 European countries, grandparents reported higher life satisfaction and better quality of life than non-grandparents. Grandmothers, in particular, reported fewer depressive symptoms. The boost appeared to come less from fleeting happiness and more from self-realization, feeling energetic, useful, and optimistic about the future, suggesting that becoming a grandparent may strengthen a sense of meaning in later life. Having someone who depends on you, values your time, and genuinely needs your presence can be a powerful reminder that you still matter, and that you still have a meaningful role to play.
Move Movement
If you’ve ever spent time with a toddler, even briefly, you know that grandkid time often involves stairs, playground laps, and far less sitting. A recent study found that on days grandparents cared for their grandchildren, they were more physically active and less sedentary than on days they didn’t provide care. Most of that movement wasn’t intense exercise, but light, frequent activity like walking, standing, bending, and playing. That kind of movement adds up, especially for older adults who may not enjoy formal workouts but benefit from staying active throughout the day.
Cognitive benefits
Spending time with grandchildren can also keep the brain engaged. Helping with homework, reading stories, playing games, and even figuring out new apps or devices all challenge attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Kids also have a special talent for asking questions — and asking them again. Storytelling, explaining, improvising, and remembering family history aren’t just good for passing down traditions; they’re also a form of real-life brain exercise. Studies suggest that moderate involvement in grandchild care is linked to better cognitive functioning, likely because it naturally combines novelty, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
Greater Happiness and Mental Well-being
Interacting with grandchildren can trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin — the same ones involved in bonding and stress relief. You’ve probably felt it the moment a grandchild reaches up to be held or seeks comfort after a fall.
A 2021 study of more than 1,000 older adults in China found that grandparents reported higher happiness levels, while even expecting grandparents showed greater resilience and better self-rated health. For women, simply becoming a grandmother — rather than actively caring for a grandchild — was linked to better emotional well-being, including fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting the role itself can be uplifting.
Less Loneliness and Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for both physical and mental health problems in older adults, including depression, cognitive decline, and heart disease. Here’s where grandkids may quietly make a difference. In the same University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 72% of grandparents said they hardly ever feel isolated, compared with 62% of older adults without grandchildren. How often you see your grandkids also matters. Grandparents who spent time with them at least once or twice a month were much less likely to feel isolated than those who saw them only every few months — suggesting that even regular, occasional contact can help people feel more connected. A 2023 systematic review supports this idea, finding that caregiving for grandchildren is a promising way to reduce loneliness among older adults, particularly when the role feels meaningful and supported.
One important caveat: the benefits of grandparenting are mostly seen in non-custodial roles. Grandparents who are raising grandchildren often carry heavier stress and financial burdens, which can affect their health.
Enjoy Your Grandkids
Grandparenthood isn’t just a family milestone — it’s a role that can bring connection, purpose, movement, and joy into later life. Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, playing tag, or just being there to listen, those moments matter more than they seem, not just for your grandkids, but for you, too.
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